Emily Davis, Conversion Optimization Manager at Nexcess, discusses how data and design can work together, how to work with amazing women, and the importance of people at work and at home.
Raised in Bloomfield, Colorado Emily Davis was the fourth of five siblings. “I was lucky to grow up in a loving and noisy home,” she says. “There is never a dull moment!” An athlete and artist, Davis was passionate about playing football and doing anything creative. She even made her own prom dress.
Her deep creativity extended to her career“I studied graphic design, business management and apparel merchandising in college and found my way into digital marketing,” she says. After Davis learned about conversion rate optimization through her senior year internship, she realized that her data numbers and her love of design go hand in hand. “I felt like I hit the jackpot,” she says. “Proving that creative change can drive business growth and impact digital users has been very inspiring. I have worked for the Liquid Web family of brands for over a year now, but being able to work in the marketing department of a technology company has further emphasized the joy of cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing for continuous growth and learning.”
Davies brings these skills to Liquid Web as Conversion Optimization Manager at Nexcess, using data and behavioral patterns to find better solutions for digital marketing experiences. “Every day, I focus on improving the customer experience within my website and using data to drive modern user experiences, design, content, and other digital initiatives,” she says.
She loves data and design, It’s the learning Davis most appreciates about a career in technology. “I also really enjoy working with different people,” she says. “Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work closely with developers, IT professionals, and creative and leadership people. It is great to collaborate with different disciplines, and I think it has a lot to do with the industry we are in and the work we do.”
One of Davis’ proudest achievements has been assuming a management position. “One of my greatest privileges is being able to support people on my team and advocate for them as a liaison to leadership.” she says She “learned how to deal with team members who don’t report to me. There is always an opportunity to lead, guide and advocate for those I work with.”
Collaboration is at the heart of her work, No wonder Davis cited so many of his colleagues as people who have influenced his career journey. “I’ve had the privilege of working with, working for and managing so many amazing and powerful women. I think these women have had the greatest impact on me. It’s been an honor to learn and work with women at all stages of their careers,” she says.
People are at the center of Davis’ personal life, too. “My favorite way to spend my day is doing something with someone I love.” she says “I love being with my pals, even if it’s just sitting on the couch checking out the latest Beat Bobby Flay. My family lives nearby, so I see them more often than most people realize. I love taking walks for coffee and spending days at the park with my boyfriend and his dog. I love the humble days spent with you.”
Davis is confident in the role of women in the future of technology. “Women are the future. There are many powerful women at Liquid Web and I have seen how capable they are of leading and owning their own areas of expertise.
For young women interested in exploring a career in technology, Davis advises not to fear statistics. “You are smart and capable, so if you are interested in that field, jump at it. I would also like to say that it is not for everyone. No one knows where their career will take them. When technical opportunities arise, they should not be held back. “ For Davis, the key is confidence and trust in yourself. “It’s okay if you don’t know everything,” she says. “You’re going to learn your whole career. To me, that’s great.”